Grayling Restructures EMEA Leadership

LONDON —Grayling has promoted its German CEO Wolfgang Lang to head of Western Europe, among several other changes to its leadership in EMEA.

In addition to Lang, long-time agency veteran Jan Simunek will take the helm of Grayling Central and Eastern Europe, which includes Russia. Loretta Ahmed will take the reins of Grayling Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META). Lang, Simunek and Ahmed are all members of Grayling’s International Board.

The three new regions will operate alongside the established regions of Grayling UK, Grayling APAC and Grayling Americas. Alison Clarke continues to lead the UK while Bob Pickard joins the firm in January to helm of Grayling APAC as Huntsworth regional CEO.

“The realignment is driven by client need,” said Pete Pedersen, Grayling’s global CEO. “We serve our clients best when we have strong leaders in place who are attuned to regional needs, savvy to regional socio-economic trends, and empowered to do what’s best for clients on a local and regional basis.”

Lang joined Grayling in 2012 as CEO of the firm’s German operation. Prior to Grayling, he was EVP and MD of Weber Shandwick Germany. Simunek has been with Grayling for more than 15 years and has held management positions throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Ahmed returned to Grayling earlier this year, having previously served as a non-executive director on the firm’s International Board and CEO of Grayling UK.